Celebrating the past

Qasr Al Hosn Festival returns this year to offer its visitors a glimpse of our heritage

The Qasr Al Hosn festival offers cultural events and aspects of Emirati heritage and nuggets of history. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

It is the symbolic birthplace of Abu Dhabi city and once again, it will open its doors to the public. Next month’s Qasr Al Hosn Festival at the oldest stone building in the city, will offer visitors an expansive and entrancing menu featuring cultural exhibitions, arts and heritage workshops and live theatre, music and poetry performances. As The National reported yesterday, the dates for the festival have been announced – February 11 to 21.

Being inside Qasr Al Hosn, which is the heart of the city, is a unique experience in itself – the old fort surrounded by the shiny new buildings that make the modern city's skyline. Add to that the great learning experience of a festival that offers cultural events and aspects of Emirati heritage and nuggets of history.

This year, the Cultural Foundation, this city’s first arts and culture centre, will open to the public during the festival, for the first time. Mark your calendar, history and culture enthusiasts.